Tuesday, 8 August 2017

Swimsuit Hack/ Sewing Stuff in PEI

"..But when the kindness of God our Saviour and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us, not by the righteous deeds we had done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of new birth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. This is the Spirit He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour, so that, having been justified by His grace, we would become heirs with the hope of eternal life.

This saying is trustworthy. And I want you to emphasize these things, so that those who have believed God will take care to devote themselves to good deeds. These things are excellent and profitable for the people."

Titus 3:4-8

Hello my lovely sewing (and non-sewing) friends!:) Anybody make some swimwear this season??:) Or perhaps in the process? This is only the second (wearable) suit I've made for myself but I must say I do enjoy it! This project was more involved than my last basic one piece. I had a look in mind, this view from Butterick 5795. I had to hack up a basic tank suit (I used the pattern from the Kwik Sew swimwear book) to recreate the look since this pattern only comes in Plus sizes.

View D, Butterick 5795

I studied the Butterick pattern and instructions to try figure out the best (and simplest way) to got about making a pattern that would fit me.

First, I made a muslin of the basic tank style but drew the V neck on (from the Kwik Sew master pattern) to see if I liked the fit. I made a separate left and right side.

I marked "slash lines" starting from the waist up to almost at the bust. (this photo I hadn't added all the lines yet, I ended up drawing lines about 1" apart and spreading them 1"). After my second muslin, I added two more slash lines for a bit more gathering below the waist. I may add more next time (if I decide to do another one).

I added two more slash & spread lines below the waist after I took this photo.

Left front piece before sewing with crossover piece (out of thin white nylon/lycra)

I used cups from an inexpensive bandeau-type strapless bra. I probably should have cut them in a more triangular shape :/ Seems to work ok though.

I ended up (carefully) cutting out the back lining and resewing at the crotch. The lower back ended up being a bit too tight and I thought removing the back lining might reduce some of the strain. It did help a bit, but next time I'll grade up a little in that area.

The side gathers aren't as taught as I intended (when I realized this I had already sewed the seam and it would have been too much unpicking:p). The print helps draw attention away from the saggy gathers, lol.

Beach in PEI

My husband and I were able to get away to PEI for a few days and I was able to test out my new suit at Brackley Beach! Held up great in the water:) I didn't get to go fabric shopping (drat), but I did get a couple of cool sewing-related photos! We visited the Ann of Green Gables Museum where they had an antique treadle machine used by Author Lucy Maud Montgomery. The shell-encrusted Folk Art Dress Form was at the Ripley's Believe it or Not Odditorium:) I'm wearing a new McCalls 6886 dress I finished the day we left!:)

Antique Treadle Sewing Machine at the Ann of Green Gables Museum

Folk Art Dress Form @ the Ripley's Odditorium

Well thats all for today! I hope you all are having a great summer! Have you been sewing any swimwear this season? Have you ever stumbled across any cool sewing related items while on vacation? Do tell!:)

I haven't mentioned it yet, but I so appreciate the Scripture at the beginning of your posts. It's such an encouragement and such a way to live out Hebrews 3:12-14! You did such a great job resizing this pattern! I haven't read that KwikSew book, but I've heard great things about it; I'll see if I can find it at our library. What a beautiful treadle too. I wonder if the idea for Anne's puffed sleeve and Marilla's grieved heart over that sleeve was born there!

Thank you for saying so, glad you find the scripture encouraging!:) I like the Kwik Sew pattern, I just wish they showed how to remove the bust gathers, lol. Sadly I don't need them, lol. It was really cool to see that old treadle machine! My grandmother used one for as long as her eyes would allow her to sew. There was also a crazy quilt there (I should've taken a photo:/). I think it took Lucy MM 5 years to make!